iraq and afghanistan. the velocity of the events and decisions were so amazing. there really was no breather. and if you look back on it in that context, it was an remarkable time for him to take over. and a lot of people asked me what is it like to interview president obama. what is he like in person? well, he's very methodical, disciplined, the qualities that you see in public, you see in private when you interview him. i've interviewed five presidents now, i've covered five presidents. it's interesting that every other one of the other four there would be some chitchat, a little social moment there in the beginning. i walked into the oval office, president obama say i've been thoroughly briefed. fire your questions away. that's it. we went right to the issues. that's the way he is. >> host: no ice breakers. >> guest: how's your son, your daughter? no. some people are a little taken back by that. they think maybe he should be outgoing or friendly. he's not a back slapping kind of leader. a lot of people like the steadiness they see. >> host: you know, he has pl